Genetic divergence in German chamomile [Chamomilla recutita (L.) Rauch.]

Abstract

Forty genotypes of chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) were evaluated for 12 quantitative traitsat Nagla (Uttarakhand)  and could be  grouped into seven clusters depending upon theirgenetic distance on the basis of Mahalanobis D2 analysis.  Maximum number of genotypeswas grouped into cluster I (13) followed by cluster VII (8).  Intra-cluster distances rangedfrom 1.78 (cluster IV) to 2.20 (cluster I).  Inter-cluster distance was maximum between clusterII and V (6.91).  The results indicated the diversity among the genotypes and sufficient scopefor varietal improvement through hybridization.  A breeding plan can be adopted from theresults of the study to enhance flower yield, flower diameter, disc floret periphery, disc floretheight and number of flowers plant-1 through hybrid breeding programme.